Bundeswehr Relocation – Process, Costs & Specialist Service Provider
What is a Bundeswehr relocation?
A Bundeswehr relocation is a work-related change of station for soldiers or civilian staff of the Bundeswehr. This usually takes place as part of a transfer and is subject to clear legal regulations – in particular the Federal Relocation Costs Act (BUKG).
Unlike a private move, the employer – under certain conditions – covers a large part of the costs. The prerequisite is that the move is approved in advance and carried out in accordance with the regulations.
A specialist service provider ensures that:
- all requirements are met
- invoicing is carried out correctly
- the move goes smoothly and stress-free
Particularly in the case of international relocations (e.g. NATO bases), additional requirements such as customs clearance or temporary storage must be taken into account.
Ihr Kontakt:
Dr. Ingeborg Cleve
Director MTL International Offices / Business Development
Damian Herms
National and international removals
Bundeswehr relocations throughout Germany and internationally
Our nationwide network enables us to handle Bundeswehr relocations to all locations in Germany and beyond. With branches in Friedberg (Hesse), Berlin and Istanbul, we cover all key regions.
Step-by-step guide
A Bundeswehr relocation follows a clearly structured process:
✔ Receive the transfer notice
→ The basis for all further steps
✔ Submit an application for reimbursement of relocation costs
→ Must be done before the move takes place
✔ Site visit & quote from removal company
→ Assessment of the volume of the move and preparation of a BUKG-compliant quote
✔ Approval by the relevant department
→ Review of the quote and authorisation of costs
✔ Scheduling & organisation
→ Coordination of transport, personnel and, if necessary, storage
✔ Carrying out the move
- Packing & dismantling
- Transport
- Reassembly at the destination
✔ Invoicing & reimbursement
→ Direct invoicing to the Bundeswehr is often possible
Detailed breakdown of costs & legal basis
Coverage of costs is governed by the Federal Act on the Reimbursement of Removal Costs (BUKG).
Typical reimbursable services:
- Transport of household goods and furniture
- Packing materials & removal boxes
- Packing and unpacking service
- Furniture assembly (e.g. kitchens)
- Temporary storage (if required)
- Travel costs associated with the move
Key factors:
- Rank
- Family size
- Distance of the move
- Approved scope of services
Legal considerations:
- The move must be approved in advance
- Settlement is based on fixed guidelines
- Maximum limits (e.g. weight of household goods) are defined
This is how successful we are
✔ Years of experience with Bundeswehr relocations
✔ BUKG-compliant processing & direct billing
✔ Operating nationwide and internationally
✔ Specialised services (customs, storage, transport)
✔ A dedicated contact person throughout the entire relocation process
FAQ
As a rule, the Bundeswehr – in accordance with the BUKG, provided that all the requirements are met.
Yes, no reimbursement will be made without authorisation.
Yes, family relocations are common and are taken into account.
- Domestic: a few days to approx. 2 weeks
- Europe: 1–3 weeks
- Overseas: up to 10 weeks
Unapproved additional services or private special requests.
Yes, ideally a provider with experience in the BUKG and relocating government departments.
In addition: customs, documentation, and, where applicable, container transport and storage.
Yes, if it is necessary for organisational reasons and is approved.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
✔ Application submitted too late
→ Solution: Submit the application immediately after the transfer
✔ Unauthorised move
→ may result in the costs being refused
✔ Incorrect or incomplete quotation
→ Use only BUKG-compliant quotations
✔ Underestimating the planning involved
→ Start early, especially when moving abroad
✔ Unclear additional services
→ Clarify in advance what is covered and what is not
A professional service provider helps to avoid precisely these mistakes and ensures a structured process.
Planning a Bundeswehr move – submit an enquiry
Are you planning a Bundeswehr move? We can help you with the organisation, planning and execution.
Send us your enquiry via the contact form or the moving questionnaire – we will draw up a structured plan and get back to you as soon as possible. We are also happy to advise you over the phone.
Our locations:
- Friedberg (Hesse): Rhine-Main, Hesse & Rhineland-Palatinate
- Berlin: Greater Berlin & Northern Germany (including overseas)
- Istanbul: Germany–Turkey & the Middle East
